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Rossi F, Ristori S, Abou-Hassan A. Multiscale Approach for Tuning Communication among Chemical Oscillators Confined in Biomimetic Microcompartments. Acc Chem Res 2024. [PMID: 38991143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusInspired by the biological world, new cross-border disciplines and technologies have emerged. Relevant examples include systems chemistry, which offers a bottom-up approach toward chemical complexity, and bio/chemical information and communication technology (bio/chemical ICT), which explores the conditions for propagating signals among individual microreactors separated by selectively permeable membranes. To fabricate specific arrays of microreactors, microfluidics has been demonstrated as an excellent method. In particular, droplet-based microfluidics is a powerful tool for encapsulating biological entities and chemical reagents in artificial microenvironments, mostly water-in-oil microdroplets. In these systems, the interfaces are liquid-liquid, and their physicochemical properties are key factors for tuning the coupling between molecular diffusion. Simple and double emulsions, where aqueous domains are in equilibrium with oil domains through boundary layers of amphiphilic molecules, are organized assemblies with high interfacial-area-to-volume ratios. These membranes can be engineered to obtain different surface charges, single- or multilayer stacking, and a variable degree of defects in molecular packing. Emulsions find application in many fields, including the food industry, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoemulsions can be used to model the propagation of chemical species through long distances, which is not only vital for cell signaling but also significant in molecular computing. Here we present in-depth research on the faceted world of solutions confined in restricted environments. In particular, we focused on the multiscale aspects of structure and dynamics from molecular to micro and macro levels. The Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, known for its robustness and well-documented oscillatory behavior, was selected to represent a generic signal emitter/receiver confined within microenvironments separated by liquid-liquid interfaces. In this pulse generator, the temporal and spatial progressions are governed by periodic fluctuations in the concentration of chemical species, which act as activatory or inhibitory messengers over long distances. When organized into "colonies" or arrays, these micro-oscillators exhibit emergent dynamical behaviors at the population level. These behaviors can be finely tuned by manipulating the geometrical distribution of the oscillators and the properties of the interfaces at the nanoscale. By carefully selecting the membrane composition, it is possible to drive the system toward either in-phase, antiphase, or mixed synchronization regimes among individual oscillators, depending on messenger molecules. This relatively simple lab-scale model replicates some of the communication strategies commonly found in biological systems, particularly those based on the passive diffusion of chemical and electrical signals. It can help shed light on fundamental life processes and inspire new implementations in molecular computing and smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rossi
- Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Pian dei Mantellini, 44, 53100 Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Ristori
- Department of Chemistry & CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Ali Abou-Hassan
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, PHysico-chimie des Electrolytes et Nanosystèmes InterfaciauX (PHENIX), F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris, France
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Zhang J, Jiang J, Lin S, Cornel EJ, Li C, Du J. Polymersomes: from macromolecular self‐assembly to particle assembly. CHINESE J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Zhang
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Jinhui Jiang
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Sha Lin
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Erik Jan Cornel
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Chang Li
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai 200434 China
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Zhang BY, Luo HN, Zhang W, Liu Y. Research progress in self-oscillating polymer brushes. RSC Adv 2022; 12:1366-1374. [PMID: 35425176 PMCID: PMC8979042 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07374e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer brushes possess unique changes in physical and chemical properties when they are exposed to external stimuli and have a wide range of applications. Self-oscillating polymers are anchored on surfaces of certain materials and are coupled with some self-oscillating reactions (with the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction as an example) to form self-oscillating polymer brushes. As an independent field of stimulus response functional surface research, the development of new intelligent bionic materials has good potential. This article reviews the oscillation mechanisms of self-oscillating polymer brushes and their classifications. First, the oscillation mechanisms of self-oscillating polymer brushes are introduced. Second, the research progress in self-oscillating polymers is discussed in terms of the type of self-oscillation reactions. Finally, possible future developments of self-oscillating polymer brushes are prospected. Polymer brushes possess unique changes in physical and chemical properties when they are exposed to external stimuli and have a wide range of applications.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ying Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology Xuzhou Jiangsu 221116 China .,School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
| | - Hai-Nan Luo
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University Zaozhuang Shandong 277160 China
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Pilkington CP, Seddon JM, Elani Y. Microfluidic technologies for the synthesis and manipulation of biomimetic membranous nano-assemblies. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:3693-3706. [PMID: 33533338 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp06226j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics has been proposed as an attractive alternative to conventional bulk methods used in the generation of self-assembled biomimetic structures, particularly where there is a desire for more scalable production. The approach also allows for greater control over the self-assembly process, and parameters such as particle architecture, size, and composition can be finely tuned. Microfluidic techniques used in the generation of microscale assemblies (giant vesicles and higher-order multi-compartment assemblies) are fairly well established. These tend to rely on microdroplet templation, and the resulting structures have found use as comparmentalised motifs in artificial cells. Challenges in generating sub-micron droplets have meant that reconfiguring this approach to form nano-scale structures is not straightforward. This is beginning to change however, and recent technological advances have instigated the manufacture and manipulation of an increasingly diverse repertoire of biomimetic nano-assemblies, including liposomes, polymersomes, hybrid particles, multi-lamellar structures, cubosomes, hexosomes, nanodiscs, and virus-like particles. The following review will discuss these higher-order self-assembled nanostructures, including their biochemical and industrial applications, and techniques used in their production and analysis. We suggest ways in which existing technologies could be repurposed for the enhanced design, manufacture, and exploitation of these structures and discuss potential challenges and future research directions. By compiling recent advances in this area, it is hoped we will inspire future efforts toward establishing scalable microfluidic platforms for the generation of biomimetic nanoparticles of enhanced architectural and functional complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P Pilkington
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK and Department of Chemical Engineering, Exhibition Road, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - John M Seddon
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Exhibition Road, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Pearce S, Perez-Mercader J. PISA: construction of self-organized and self-assembled functional vesicular structures. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py00564a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PISA reaction networks alone, integrated with other networks, or designing properties into the amphiphiles confer functionalities to the supramolecular assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pearce
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Origins of Life Initiative
- Harvard University
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Juan Perez-Mercader
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Origins of Life Initiative
- Harvard University
- Cambridge
- USA
- Santa Fe Institute
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Osypova A, Dübner M, Panzarasa G. Oscillating Reactions Meet Polymers at Interfaces. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E2957. [PMID: 32630641 PMCID: PMC7372367 DOI: 10.3390/ma13132957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chemo-mechanical phenomena, including oscillations and peristaltic motions, are widespread in nature-just think of heartbeats-thanks to the ability of living organisms to convert directly chemical energy into mechanical work. Their imitation with artificial systems is still an open challenge. Chemical clocks and oscillators (such as the popular Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction) are reaction networks characterized by the emergence of peculiar spatiotemporal dynamics. Their application to polymers at interfaces (grafted chains, layer-by-layer assemblies, and polymer brushes) offers great opportunities for developing novel smart biomimetic materials. Despite the wide field of potential applications, limited research has been carried out so far. Here, we aim to showcase the state-of-the-art of this fascinating field of investigation, highlighting the potential for future developments and providing a personal outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Osypova
- Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG, Stegrütistrasse 14, 9642 Ebnat-Kappel, Switzerland;
| | - Matthias Dübner
- Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Budroni MA, Torbensen K, Pantani OL, Ristori S, Rossi F, Abou-Hassan A. Microfluidic compartmentalization of diffusively coupled oscillators in multisomes induces a novel synchronization scenario. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:11771-11774. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc05046f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Multisome compartments encapsulating the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction produced by microfluidics arranged in 1D arrays showed a novel type of global synchronization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristian Torbensen
- Sorbonne Université
- CNRS UMR 8234
- PHysico-chimie des Electrolytes et Nanosystèmes InterfaciauX (PHENIX)
- Paris F-75005
- France
| | - Ottorino L. Pantani
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences
- University of Florence P.le delle Cascine 28
- Firenze 50144
- Italy
| | - Sandra Ristori
- Department of Chemistry & CSGI
- University of Florence
- Sesto Fiorentino 50019
- Italy
| | - Federico Rossi
- Department of Earth
- Environmental and Physical Sciences – DEEP Sciences – University of Siena
- Siena 53100
- Italy
| | - Ali Abou-Hassan
- Sorbonne Université
- CNRS UMR 8234
- PHysico-chimie des Electrolytes et Nanosystèmes InterfaciauX (PHENIX)
- Paris F-75005
- France
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Revealing membrane permeability of polymersomes through fluorescence enhancement. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 161:156-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hu Y, Pérez-Mercader J. Microfluidics Fabrication of Self-Oscillating Microgel Clusters with Tailored Temperature-Responsive Properties Using Polymersomes as "Microreactors". LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:14058-14065. [PMID: 29137458 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgel clusters were successfully prepared using polymersomes as "microreactors", which were fabricated through microfluidics. The clusters were formed from the cross-linking reaction between ruthenium/amino group dual functionalized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels and linear poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-r-(N-acryloxysuccinimide)-based polymer linkers under neutral pH conditions. By simply adjusting the ratio of N-isopropylacrylamide to N-acryloxysuccinimide in the polymer cross-linkers, the internal structures of the clusters can be controlled; hence, the temperature response of the clusters can be regulated. It was demonstrated that these different microgel clusters showed various degrees of chemomechanical oscillations when the clusters were exposed to a catalyst-free solution containing Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuandu Hu
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Juan Pérez-Mercader
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, United States
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Torbensen K, Rossi F, Ristori S, Abou-Hassan A. Chemical communication and dynamics of droplet emulsions in networks of Belousov-Zhabotinsky micro-oscillators produced by microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:1179-1189. [PMID: 28239705 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01583b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemical communication leading to synchronization and collective behaviour of dynamic elements, such as cell colonies, is a widespread phenomenon with biological, physical and chemical importance. Such synchronization between elements proceeds via chemical communication by emmision, interdiffusion and reception of specific messenger molecules. On a lab scale, these phenomena can be modeled by encapsulating an oscillating chemical reaction, which serves as a signal (information) sender/receiver element, inside microcompartments such as droplet emulsions, liposomes and polymersomes. Droplets can thus be regarded as single units, able to generate chemical messengers that diffuse in the environment and hence can interact with other compartments. The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is a well-known chemical oscillator largely used as a model for complex nonlinear phenomena, including chemical, physical and biological examples. When the BZ-reaction is encapsulated inside microcompartments, its chemical intermediates can serve as messengers by diffusing among different microcompartments, to trigger specific reactions leading to a collective behavior between the elements. The geometry and constitution of the diffusion pathways play an important role in governing the collective behaviour of the system. In this context, microfluidics is not only a versatile tool for mastering the encapsulation process of the BZ-reaction in monodisperse microcompartments, but also for creating geometries and networks with well defined boundaries. The individual compartments can be engineered with selected properties using different surfactants in the case of simple emulsions, or with specific membrane properties in the case of liposomes. Furthermore, it enables the arrangement of these microcompartments in various geometric configurations, where the diffusive coupling pathways between individual compartments are both spatially and chemically well-defined. In this tutorial paper, we review a number of articles reporting various approaches to generate networks of compartmentalized Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) chemical oscillators using microfluidics. In contrast to biological cellular networks, the dynamical characteristics of the BZ-reaction is well-known and, when confined in microcompartments arranged in different configurations with a pure interdiffusive coupling, these communicative microreactors can serve to mimic various types of bio-physical networks, aiding to comprehend the concept of chemical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Torbensen
- UMR 8234, Laboratoire Physico-chimie des Electrolytes, Nanosystèmes InterfaciauX (PHENIX), UPMC Univ Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités, 4 place Jussieu - case 51, 75252 Paris cedex 05, France.
| | - Federico Rossi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Sandra Ristori
- Department of Earth Sciences & CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Ali Abou-Hassan
- UMR 8234, Laboratoire Physico-chimie des Electrolytes, Nanosystèmes InterfaciauX (PHENIX), UPMC Univ Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités, 4 place Jussieu - case 51, 75252 Paris cedex 05, France.
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